Rockets report: Lin returns from back issues

With guard Jeremy Lin returning for Monday's game against Dallas after missing all but two of the Rockets' previous 12 games, coach Kevin McHale said there should be no concerns with a player working his way back after an injury.

"You just have to go play," McHale said. "You're playing basketball, something you've done since you're a child. So go out there and play, play hard. Is everything going to go perfect? No. If it doesn't go in your favor, work harder. There it is, all summed up right there."

But last week McHale seemed to take the opposite position. When asked Friday about players coming back from injuries, he said it always takes time to get a "rhythm" and that he struggled with it as a player."

Asked about that comment Monday, McHale repeated his mantra for the evening.

"You go out, play really hard and if it doesn't work, work harder," he said.

In his return from missing the last four games with back spasms, Lin started and played 37 minutes, scoring 20 points.

He had two assists, a steal and five turnovers. Lin said he felt pretty good after the 111-104 loss to the Mavs.

"I felt all right, the second half a little bit better than the first," Lin said. "I definitely can't complain in terms of how my body felt in my first game back."

Lin said he would continue to make strides as he got more time in games.

"I felt like every pass I threw was deflected," he said. "I just got to keep playing and keep trying to make passes. It will get better."

Harden sits again with bum ankle

James Harden sat for the second straight game and sixth this season Monday against the Mavericks at Toyota Center.

Harden has been dealing with a high ankle sprain since Dec. 15.

"The swelling went down," Harden said. "It's still there but it's improving. We will re-evaluate and I will try to do some work on it (on Tuesday) and go from there."

Harden said he hopes to be ready to play at San Antonio on Wednesday.

"I will keep icing it and getting treatment and hopefully be ready for Christmas Day," he said.

Pat Beverley, who fractured his right hand Saturday, had surgery Monday and will miss four to six weeks.